Recycling for the Future of Plano

by Kris

For those of us lucky enough to call Plano home, we want to make sure it will remain a place we are proud to call home. We can start by taking advantage of those curbside recycle bins that have been at the end of our driveways for over a decade. Go Plano!

The curbside program collects the following recyclable materials to be processed for shipment to recycling markets:

• Newspapers, magazines, & catalogs
• Phone books
• Glass jars, containers, dishes, drink ware, & vases
• Paper bags
• Aerosol cans
• Aluminum cans
• Junk mail
• cardboard
• Plastic bottles and containers
• Shredded paper
• Chipboards/boxboards

 So we have the bins and we know what to put in them, but WHY RECYCLE? Recycling:

• Helps to sustain our environment for future generations
• Conserves our natural resources and protects wildlife habitat and biodiversity
• Decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change
• Reduces toxic chemicals and toxic waste
• Saves energy
• Prevents water pollution
• Reduces the need for landfills and incineration
• Increases manufacturing jobs

Those are only 8 of many more reasons why we should recycle, but they’re some great reasons aren’t they? Other ways to promote recycling, other than collecting and processing, is to purchase items we know that can be recycled. It’s a continuous loop that reduces room for additional waste. Once you get the hang of it, it will become a habit and you will know that you’re doing everything you can to make Plano (and our earth!) a better place for future generations to come.

I like to set out a paper bag near the garage where I put all my recyclable items throughout the week. Than the day before trash days, I’ll bring it all out and place it in the recycle bin. It’s that easy! It barely requires any effort, but we’re making this city better. Lastly, don’t forget - your habits often reflect on family and friends, so be a leader and start setting these green examples today!

Keep living green,

Kris

Do you know what the largest source of litter is?

According to the Keep America Beautiful Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and volunteer opportunities to help create a cleaner environment, cigarette butts are the number one source of litter.  While smoking has decreased 28% in the past 10 years (Source), only 10% of cigarette butts are disposed of properly, which leads to a big litter problem.  Most smokers don't realize the environmental impact of cigarette littering because cigarette butts are small enough to seem insignificant (Source).  However, cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate, which is a form of plastic that doesn't biodegrade easily.  Cigarette butts that are littered on the street or in planters end up being washed into the gutters.  Then, they enter our water system and often get washed from our streams into the ocean.  Also, small animals often mistake cigarette butts for food and can end up choking or suffocating on them.  I was inspired to write this article after a trip I made to the library yesterday.  As I was getting into my car, I saw a black bird with a cigarette butt in its mouth.  :(

The Positives

• Public receptacles for cigarette butts are becoming more common.
• Smoking is becoming less common.
• Cigarette manufactures are looking for ways to produce environmentally-friendly cigarette butts.  Philip Morris, a cigarette manufacturer, sponsors the Guide for Cigarette Litter Prevention on the Keep America Beautiful website.
• You are reading this article, so now one more person is more aware.  

So what can we do?  

• If you smoke, place cigarette butts in proper receptacles, including pocket ashtrays.  
• Most people who smoke don't realize the impact of cigarette butts on the environment, so you can help educate the people you know who smoke.  
• Learn more about the environment.  Knowledge of our current environmental issues usually leads to caring about our environment and wanting to make positive changes.

For more information about this issue, check out Bill Nye the Science Guy's video.